Heartache on West India Dock Road: An uplifting and emotional wartime story from Renita D'Silva

A BRAND-NEW heart-stirring and emotional WW2 saga of friendship, courage and the power of community – perfect for fans of Jean Fullerton, Donna Douglas and Call the Midwife ❤️ 📖 1941 - Amid the bombs falling over London’s East End, the residents of West India Dock Road endure wartime with courage, defiance and a good dose of humour.

From nights spent sheltering together in the Underground station to sharing gossip, pastimes and meals, they lean on each other as their world is turned upside down.

Since the bombing of her family’s boarding house, Charity has held her loved ones together, and now, with her heart set on becoming a ‘sugar girl’ working for Tate & Lyle, she’s determined to forge a new path, despite prejudice about her relationship with the Indian soldier she loves.

Her best friend Divya serves up warmth and spice in her beloved curry house, but is hiding a secret that grows more urgent with each passing day. What will happen when it is revealed?

Ruth is a newcomer, recently arrived from wartorn Europe and haunted by the atrocities she’s experienced. On West India Dock Road she finds not just refuge but an unlikely family.

As heartache affects them all and bonds are tested, can these three women find hope and happiness, even in the darkest of times?

A sweeping, heart-warming wartime saga of love, sacrifice and the power of community.

Praise for Renita D'Silva:

'Beautifully told. I became immersed in Divya's world.' Patricia McBride

'A beautifully descriptive, original and emotional story. I loved Divya, she’s a very brave, strong and clever leading lady.' Jane Lark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly unforgettable and heartbreaking… An absolutely gripping and totally addictive story that will keep you racing through the pages all night long.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I adored this story. It kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stunning!… Renita D’Silva’s writing is sublime. Inspired me with every page… An important story that embraced my heart.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fabulous… Fascinating… My heart broke.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Both heartbreaking and warming… It will change you… Food for the soul.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy… A wonderful, evocative read.’ Reader review

© 2025 Boldwood Books (Audiobook): 9781836172826

Release date

Audiobook: 9 December 2025